The frustration comes after the Kings put together one of their best defensive efforts in recent memory. They created a unique game plan to slow three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, using forwards Keegan Murray and Jake LaRavia to guard the 6-foot-11 center, while Jonas Valanciunas clogged the lane to prevent drivers to the basket.

The Kings jumped out to a 13-point lead after the first quarter and took a 10-point lead into halftime. Denver shot just 40.9% in the first half. But the Nuggets rallied back, cutting to lead to lead to 4 late in the third quarter.

Westbrook went for 25 points, two steals, two blocks and a corner three with 1:28 to go that doubled Denver’s lead. Sacramento did not go quietly — Zach LaVine answered 20 seconds later to creep back within one score — but the Nuggets made the stops and free throws necessary to escape.

Analyzing Wednesday’s Sacramento Kings at Denver Nuggets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Denver Nuggets are a team that seems to be only talked about when the team loses, or when Nikola Jokic has a historic game. Most NBA fans don't actually wat

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Jokic is the only Nuggets starter with a negative plus/minus, but veteran point guard Russell Westbrook has stepped up in a huge way. The 2016-17 NBA MVP has put the Nuggets on his back for parts of the game, dropped 25 points, two steals, and two blocks on 10-20 shooting from the field.